I need a thesis for the following summer assignment...?

Question

Write an essay describing the European (especially English) experience in North America, from 1492 to the early 1700's.

Answer 1

Here are some of the possible theses, and remember, make a thesis argueable.

1. How European exploration was overall bad.
2. How European exploration was good.
*3. Opinion about escaping Europe: was it more for religious or economical reasons?
*4. Why would the Europeans want to move to the New World even if it had Native Americans there?
*5. Why Europeans decided to build up a mercantilist economy with their colonies?
*6. Why were the English a very powerful exploration country (in other words, why do they have so many colonies?)

*Your opinion is your thesis.

Answer 2

A thesis is just the point you want to prove. What do you think the experience was like? That is your thesis. All you have to do it prove it.

My thesis would be that it was a difficult balance for the colonists to maintain their English customs in a much more rugged society of the colonies. But that is the sociologist in me talking ;-)